Studying Psychology

Psychologists observe and measure behaviour, and their therapies are based on scientific study. 

Psychology has links with many disciplines including biological, computer and forensic science as well as humanities such as philosophy, sociology, anthropology and even literature. 

It involves the study of theory, empirical evidence and practical applications. This mix of disciplines helps to make psychology such a fascinating subject.

You can study Psychology on our A level programme.

• Introduction to Psychology
• Topics you may study
• Key skills you will learn 
• How the course is assessed

Mind works: an introduction to psychology

The mind is something intangible that exists within our brain. An unseen process of enzymes, chemicals and electric current moving within the structure of our neural networks dictates why we feel, think and behave the way we do.

But why is it that some people suffer from stress and mental illness? 

Why do some people fear snakes yet a few think they are cuddly? 

Psychology looks at questions like these in the study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a science with cutting edge research that has real world applications to issues in everyday life, ranging from things like artificial intelligence to social change.

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Your key learning topics

In your first year you may study topics such as:

• research methods
• social psychology
• gender development
• individual differences
• cognitive psychology. 

This introduction will form a sound basis for the second year, in which you might study topics such as:

• sleep
• forensic psychology
• celebrity worship
• cognition
• law
• perception
• mood disorders.

An intensive one year Psychology A level course is also available.

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What skills will I learn?

This course will help you develop a number of skills:

• how to view the world around you from different perspectives
• how to plan and conduct scientific investigations
• how to analyse and interpret data
• critical reasoning skills
• how to put across your point of view fluently

Will it fit with my studies and my future?

Students who take Psychology need a combination of curiosity and scepticism and need to enjoy research. Psychology students often also study Philosophy, Biology, Sociology, and English. But students who want a career in any of the caring services, or in marketing or business, will find an understanding of psychology useful.

Where will success take me? 

Psychology can help your career either directly or indirectly. Of course, if you wish to become a psychologist, therapist or mental health worker, this A-Level is of direct value.

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How is the course assessed?

In the first year you’ll sit two papers. Each lasts for 90 minutes and accounts for 50% of your marks for the year. 

The second year is the same. You will sit two papers and, once again, each paper accounts for 50% of your marks for the year. 

Develop your own psychological experiments!

You will have plenty of opportunity to learn and practice your research methods and you will have the opportunity to write up the results of your investigations as part of your assessment.

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Can’t wait to get started?

Your tutor and career adviser will be the best people to help you decide whether this course is the right choice. They will be as passionate as you to find the best subject to develop your talents!